Remembrance Day honoured over Anglo-Welsh Cup weekend

Scarlets v Bath Rugby kicks off this weekend’s action tonight and there will be a minute’s silence before kick-off at 7.05pm.

Ospreys v Harlequins are next into the fray at 7.35pm and their minute’s silence is combined to honour Remembrance Day and as a tribute to Tim Jones, father of Alun Wyn, who passed away last week and used to play for Swansea RFC who are hosting the match at St Helen’s.

After returning to their former home at the Memorial Stadium for a Remembrance Service to lay wreaths at the Memorial Gates alongside Bristol Rovers football club, local combination clubs, and town representatives earlier today, Bristol Rugby’s players and staff will be in action playing Sale Sharks back at Ashton Gate this evening. There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off at 7.45pm and local cadets at the game.

Saracens v Newcastle Falcons is the first game on Saturday at 1pm and those who have lost their lives fighting for their country will be remembered during a minute’s silence before kick-off. The Royal British Legion will be at the gates selling poppies to supporters and the Saracens’ shop will also be stocking a special Poppy Ball, with the proceeds going to The Royal British Legion. If you can’t make the game, you can purchase a poppy ball here.

The 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery will be making up the guard of honour and will be displaying a decommissioned gun on the piazza. There will also be a special feature in the match day programme from the Saracens’ World War I project. The project is run by a group of Saracens’ supporters who are researching the lives of Saracens who fought during WWI. To find out more about the project, or to get involved visit saracensrugbyww1.com.

There will be a minute’s silence and wreaths will be laid on the Franklin’s Gardens’ war memorial before Northampton Saints v Gloucester Rugby kicks off at 3pm on Saturday. The 15 mascots for Saturday’s game have all won their places through a silent auction with proceeds being donated to The Royal British Legion.

A bugler will play the Last Post followed by a minute’s silent ahead of Leicester Tigers welcoming Newport Dragons for their Anglo-Welsh Cup 2016-17 debut at 3pm on Saturday.

Then on Remembrance Sunday itself, Wasps will be collecting for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity and the charity will be manning a stand where people can learn more about their work. Wasps will also be promoting the charity’s work on the big screen and in the match day programme.

Before the game kicks off at 3pm, a giant poppy will take pride of place on the centre of the pitch as the Wasps and Worcester Warriors players are welcomed to the field by a military veterans’ guard of honour and two standard bearers. Wasps and SSAFA will then lay wreaths followed by a minute’s silence.

Exeter Chiefs have a special free ticket offer for all current Armed Forces and frontline Emergency Services for their Remembrance Sunday match against Cardiff Blues. Any serving member will be able to watch the game which kicks off at 3pm free of charge, providing they show a current and valid ID card to club staff. These special tickets will still be available on the day of the game from the main ticket office, which will open three hours before kick-off. Prior to kick-off, the club will carry out its annual Remembrance Service, which will include a short service on the pitch.